It looks like it’s all coming to a close.

By now, most of the world has heard about the Freedom Convoy of Canadian truckers that rolled into Ottawa (Canada’s capital) a few weeks ago. Over that time, tens of thousands of people supported them, funded them, and even drove down (or up) to Ottawa to join them. And dozens of other countries across the globe have started similar convoys to their nation’s capital cities or border crossings.

I’ve been sitting on this post for a while actually. As a pastor, it’s sometimes hard to know when to speak up and when to stay silent. I have friends and family on both sides of the discussion, on whether or not this convoy was positive or negative. So, I’ve wrestled with writing out and publishing my thoughts, although I’ve shared a few things on social.

If you dismissed this entire event, you missed something significant that is uncommon in Canadian history. I’m currently in the United States on Sabbatical and every American knows what’s going on. All the major news networks are publishing Freedom Convoy content. Even in day-to-day conversations, as soon as they find out we’re Canadian, they immediately, have almost the exact word-for-word response:

“We’re praying for you all! It’s a bad deal what you’re going through up there!“

I married an American over 20 years ago, lived in the US for a time, and have close ties to American friends and family. I have never witnessed Americans (both Liberals and Conservatives), so ‘in-the-know’ on a Canadian event as the Freedom Convoy. So I’ll say it again, that if you’ve dismissed this event, you missed something significant.

With all of that out of the way, I would like to unpack 3 specific things that I liked (and disliked) about the Freedom Convoy, and how I believe this event in Ottawa might impact future pandemics and protests.

1. The Flag Waving

The Freedom Convoy brought to the forefront the power of flags as symbols of communication.

I LIKE CANADIAN FLAGS. Never before had I seen so many Canadian flags waved for so long, by so many people, for one purpose. It was an important component of this movement, that sent a message to the world, and warmed my heart to see.

As a Christian, I understand that our citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20), but It’s not a sin to be proud of one’s country and heritage, as long as we keep it in check. Appreciating one’s country and its symbols are permissible (1 Cor. 10:23), as long as it doesn’t lead to worshipping one’s country, turning its symbols into idols. This is clearly not beneficial (1 Cor. 10:23).

Personally, there was so much that welled up inside of me when I saw all those flags being waved by men, women, and children of every colour and creed.

• I was reminded that our anthem contains an important prayer: “God, keep our land, glorious and free.“
• I was reminded that I’m the son of immigrant parents who found a life of opportunity in this country.
• I was reminded that I’m the husband of an immigrant wife who found a new life with me in this country.
• I was reminded that millions of people all over the world would sacrifice everything they had to live in this country.
• I was reminded that God graciously chose to allow me to live in the freedom of this country.

I DISLIKE F### TRUDEAU FLAGS. In my opinion, this was the centre of the movement’s undoing. It boggles my mind how a group of people (truckers and supporters) who wanted to change our Prime Minister’s mind, thought that waving vulgar flags directed at him would be a good strategy. It boggles my mind that none of them realized that this might be a terrible option for communication opportunities.

I get it, part of this freedom discussion is about freedom of speech. However, it’s just poor leadership and mixed messaging to say, “we’re asking for a civil discussion with the Prime Minister” while carrying an “F### Trudeau” flag. Proverbs 15:1 states that “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Those flags were definitely harsh words that I would assume stirred up anger for Trudeau.

CAVEAT – I’m not going to mention any other random flags that were waved by the odd individual. These were clearly not organized nor widely distributed, even though the media has covered them substantially and they have politically leveraged. It’s just not a productive discussion.

2. The Anti-Vax Discussion

The Freedom Convoy brought to the forefront the huge difference between anti-vaccine and anti-vaccine mandates.

I LIKE OPTIONAL VACCINES. I believe in the theological concept of common grace, given by God for our benefit (Acts 14:17). One of those common graces is medical advances, that have greatly improved our lives. I believe that every good and perfect gift is from above (James 1:17) and I’m thankful for the medical blessings we have received living in Canada.

Spoiler, I’m not an anti-vaxer.

• I believe vaccines are a blessing; from measles to mumps, diphtheria to tetanus.
• I have received them all because I was blessed to live in a medically rich country.
• I have travelled to developing countries and witnessed the terrible outcome of not having access to vaccines.

However, no one ever forced, coerced or mandated these vaccines. My parents chose to get them for me as a child, then I choose to get boosted on schedule as an adult, including right before I left for my sabbatical to Texas. (Upon doctor’s suggestion for travel-medical insurance because of the length of our trip and proximity to Mexico.)

Spoiler, I’m not a COVID-denier.

• I know people who have died from complications related to COVID-19.
• I know people who have long-COVID symptoms, after recovering from the virus.
• I chose to receive a double dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine that was offered to me.

Full disclosure about my COVID vaccine journey:

1. Although I wasn’t worried about the virus, I wanted to travel, which was increasingly being restricted.
2. Although I wasn’t concerned about my health, I was concerned for the elderly in our congregation.

We were told that we wouldn’t infect others if we were vaccinated. That seemed logical to me at the time. Unfortunately, the discussion got really complicated as time rolled on, didn’t it?

I DISLIKE MANDATED VACCINES. The moment the government started coercing people to get vaccinated, I got cagey. Then the vaccine mandates started to roll out, and I got really cagey. Then I got side-effects from the vaccine and had hard evidence on why freedom of choice is so important.

You read that correctly. Unfortunately, I have experienced some circulatory side-effects from the vaccines in my legs.

• It started after my first two doses, but I dismissed it.
• I chose to receive the Moderna booster that was offered to me.
• Then it became clear that this was definitely a side-effect.
• So, I reported it to my family doctor immediately.

It turns out there are dozens of different adverse reactions from COVID-19 vaccines, and circulatory problems have been linked to Moderna. She opened a file for me with the “Canadian Adverse Events Following Immunization Surveillance System (CAEFISS)“. Then I had a phone interview with CAEFISS to discuss the course of action for my side effects. I was told that the Canadian government has set aside a compensation fund for those who have suffered from COVID-19 vaccine side effects because there have been so many.

“Wait, what!?!?” I responded. “So let me get this straight:

1. The vaccines were purchased by the Canadian Government from Big Pharma, paid for with tax dollars.
2. Big Pharma required a guarantee from the Canadian Government that they would not be financially liable for adverse reactions.
3. Now the liability for adverse reactions has now fallen the Canadian Government, paid for with tax dollars?“

The person on the phone replied with a reminder:

“Sir, we all knew that these were experimental vaccines when they rolled out, but the risk warranted the roll-out.“

That’s true. I remember that, and I chose to get my vaccines anyway. So now, whether I like it or not, I am part of the experiment. My information was entered into the database to see if other males in their 40’s have experienced similar lower-limb circulatory problems, which will be passed on to Big Pharma for them to register as a side-effect for future vaccine production and purchase.

Although I’m frustrated, I have to rest in knowing we have a just God. Every person will give an account for their words and actions (Mt. 12:36), and God will bring every deed and every secret thing to judgement, whether good or evil (Ecc. 12:14). I chose this, but I can’t imagine how I’d feel if I were coerced or forced through job loss or some other restriction. This experience has solidified my position that mandates are not the solution, and why I’m glad the Freedom Convoy highlighted the difference between anti-vax and anti-mandate.

CAVEAT – I declined financial aid because my symptoms are mild and don’t inhibit my daily life. (I’m also greived at the financial fall-out for our country over the whole thing.) Don’t read that as a righteous statement; I would have taken the help if I needed it.

3. The Faith-Based Implications

The Freedom Convoy brought to the forefront conversational links between faith and freedom.

I LIKE FAITH-BASED FREEDOMS. One of the underlying themes of the Freedom Convoy was freedom of faith and religion. In fact, there was a massive number of Christians (Evangelical, Catholic, and Orthodox) who supported the convoy. There was also a large number of other faith groups (Sikh, Jewish and Muslim) who strongly supported this movement as well. Why?

1. Faith leaders have faced enormous adversity throughout the pandemic.
   • For example, in the Yukon where I serve, clergy were required to vax-pass people who wanted to attend worship.
   • If a clergy member allowed an unvaccinated person in the building, they could receive a $5000 fine.
   • And outward defiance of this mandate could lead them to a 6-month jail term.
2. Faith members and attenders have walked away, and suffered for it.
   • Most faith groups have reported a 30 to 40% decrease in faith-based interest and attendance from pre-COVID percentages.
   • It isn’t just about worship; every ministry gathering including recovery groups has to exclude unvaccinated attendees.

Faith leaders have witnessed that in our prevention of COVID-19 infections, we traded it for increases in depression, substance abuse, and many other mental health issues. Many of these struggles are treated and cared for by faith leaders and religious support groups. Globally and societally, we made a significant mistake by only focusing on physical wellness, and ignoring the mental, emotional and spiritual implications of our actions.

If true religion is caring for the widow and the orphan (James 1:27), where does caring for the depressed, the addicted, or even the unvaccinated fit into that picture? When our next virus comes around, I don’t believe faith-leaders will be as easily convinced on which individual deserves the higher level of care.

I DISLIKE FAITH-BASED FEARS. Some of the toxic comments that have come out of the Freedom Convoy, predominantly from Christians, is that Justin Trudeau is the Anti-Christ, or that he’s demonically possessed. The underlying call is that to stay on God’s side, we need to directly position ourselves against the evil government. Not only does this throw out all instruction on governing authorities given in Romans 13:1-7, but it’s also just not helpful. In the end, it breeds more fear, but simply shifted in a different direction.

• No, I don’t reject the Biblical truth of the Anti-Christ.
• No, I’m not saying that demons don’t impact our world.

However, it’s far too easy to blame everything on the devil to sensationalize an event, instead of contemplating the idea that God is still in charge and Jesus is still on the throne. There is Biblical evidence and theologically sound defence that by allowing all of this to take place, God may be building our faith and boldness to spread the Gospel and prepare us for future trials (2 Timothy 4:3-5).

• Does it mean we shouldn’t voice our opinion when we feel the government isn’t listening? Nope, we can do that.
• Does it mean we shouldn’t hold peaceful demonstrations as part of our rights and freedoms? Nope, we can do that.

Our voice and demonstrations should be marked by calm, peace, and love. They should also be legal if at all possible. Which, unfortunately, this past week, our government has deemed the Freedom Convoy illegal. It might be hard to hear, but the truckers and their supporters are going to have to get creative and change their course of action to get their message across.

You may scoff at all of this.

Please just pause for a moment. One of the reasons I chose Texas for my 3-month sabbatical was because of the freedom. Early on in the pandemic, the governor of Texas took a hard stand against restrictions and mandates. He would give every Texan the choice to go out in public, the choice to wear a mask, and the choice to be vaccinated.

• Did COVID infections spike? Yes, they did.
• Did people get sick? Yes, they did.
• Did some end up in the hospital, and even die? Yes, they did.
• Did the pandemic end sooner? Yes, it did…like a year ago!

Back home everyone’s still talking about COVID. Not here. It’s old news. It’s like a time-warp to a pre-pandemic era where hugs are plentiful, and masks are few. I spent the last two days with over a thousand people at a conference, and everyone’s doing just fine. Churches here are back on mission, serving their communities and reaching the lost for Jesus.

Experiencing life in Texas has furthered my resolve in supporting the Freedom Convoy because I’ve witnessed what could have been. I can’t help but wonder if Canada made a significant mistake? My assessment coming from a very restricted territory, travelling to a very open state, is this: How each government approached the beginning of the pandemic directly related to how long the pandemic lasted for their citizens. In the end, the choice is now clear.

1. Give the people the choice, and many of them might choose to get sick and even die. But it’ll be over soon.
2. Revoke the people’s choice, and many of them might be saved. But it will last a long time.

Join the Conversation; Share Your thoughts

1. Did you support the Freedom Convoy? Why or why not?
2. If we could go back in time, do you think the Canadian government would have changed their strategy? If so, how?